The Berlin Youth Forum has
perhaps never been so active and focused!
The foyer buzzed, the plenary hall roared with energy, and the young people, with their political statements, roused the old building from its parliamentary rut. Members of parliament danced, rapped, and listened carefully to the questions and suggestions of the young people!

Nearly 500 people came to the House of Representatives on this dreary November weekend and brightened the day with their colors and ideas! President Ralf Wieland welcomed the young people in the opening plenary session with a thoughtful speech, and the young people responded in their own way – with drumming.

In her speech to the assembled plenary, Senator Sandra Scheeres praised the young people's commitment and supported their desire to participate. Once again, Berlin's youth responded in their own way: MC Josh and Drob Dynamic rapped about discrimination and displacement in this contradictory city – Berlin is different, but far from over!

But what could be seen, heard, and felt in the discussions, workshops, and cultural program at the Berlin Parliament on November 30th gives reason for hope, because young people are not apathetic about politics… They do politics differently, they do politics differently!

Because the issues discussed that day remain: budget cuts in youth services, refugees at the Olympic Park, stress at school, access to cultural events, religious diversity, discrimination, waste, and the search for housing!
It was a good start, but the real work still lies ahead!